Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Magnolia

TraciefarleyTraciefarley Posts: 13
in Problem solving
Hi, I’ve moved into a house and come across a Magnolia tree. It’s only flowered 1/2 flowers. 

There is a large tree behind it, I’m not sure what it’s called. 

This tree looks like parts are dying. 

Any advice would be great. 

Unfortunately I don’t know much about gardening. 

Thank you. 

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I'm not sure but think it's a broom (they aren't especially long-lived and tend to get woody at the bottom). If it's broom it should be flowering soon, which will make it easier to confirm or rule out.

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - a broom, Cytisus. Unfortunately, one which hasn't been terribly well maintained.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Probably not maintained at all. They don't do well if cut back to the brown wood (at least they don't for me, and I have the kind of conditions that they're supposed to like, dry and sandy). You can only really trim the green parts, after flowering.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - probably better removed. It'll never be a thing of beauty, and it would allow the Magnolia to thrive and be a nice focal point   :)
    I've lost my white one, because it got uprooted last spring in a rough period of weather. I pruned it back and it was ok for a while, but that was short lived. They get quite top heavy, and the wrench from the ground  was a bridge too far for it. Haven't replaced it yet. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I had actually typed "it'll never be a thing of beauty" but I deleted it before posting in case @Traciefarley likes it better than the magnolia :D. I don't think I've ever managed to keep one for more than maybe 7 or 8 years before it gets top-heavy and ugly, even in theoretically ideal conditions for them.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    @JennyJ :D
    I've kept them longer, but unfortunately, the uprooting was the problem with this one, which was a great pity. One of my favourite sights in May, when it accompanied the clematis that grew next to, and through it.  I only grow the white ones. 

    I think if @Traciefarley likes a broom, a new one in a better site might be the best move  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sign In or Register to comment.